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Tender Applesauce Cinnamon Rolls

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings 12 rolls

Ingredients

Dough

  • 3 cups bread flour plus more for dusting
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce slightly warmed
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or melted coconut oil

Filling

  • 3 tablespoons butter softened
  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Make the Dough

  • Combine bread flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar in a stand mixer bowl. Add the slightly warmed applesauce and oil. Mix on low with a dough hook for 1 minute, then increase to medium and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shape and Fill

  • Punch down the dough and roll out on a floured surface into an 18x10 inch rectangle.
  • Spread the softened butter evenly over the dough. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle evenly over the butter.
  • Roll the dough tightly starting from one long edge. Pinch the seam to seal. Cut into 12 even rounds using a sharp knife or dental floss.
  • Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes until puffy.

Bake and Frost

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake rolls for 20-22 minutes until golden brown on top.
  • While rolls bake, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
  • Let rolls cool for 5 minutes, then spread frosting generously over the warm rolls. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Overnight method: After placing rolls in the pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 18 hours. Remove, let sit 30 minutes at room temperature, then bake as directed.
  • Applesauce temperature: Warm it to about 110°F (warm to touch, not hot) to help activate the yeast.
  • All-purpose flour substitute: You can use all-purpose flour for softer rolls with less chew. The dough may be slightly stickier.
  • Vegan option: Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter. The dough itself is nearly vegan.
  • Storage: Unfrosted rolls keep at room temperature 3-4 days. Frosted rolls should be refrigerated and consumed within 5 days. Freeze unfrosted rolls up to 3 months.